Mission Details for Sorau (#78)

Briefing

Details

Number: 78
Date: 5/29/1944 12:00:00 AM
Commander: Maj. R.J. White
Crews Briefed: 21
Details: Focke Wolf Aircraft Assembly Plant

Flying Control

Runway: 23
Engines: 0800 Thumbnail image for /Images/Takeoff/Plan23.jpg
Taxi: 0815
Take Off: 0830
E.T.R.: 1755
Notes: Briefing at 0530 hours. All but one operational aircraft had returned by 1818; the missing ship had landed at Langham short on fuel.

Debriefing

Aircraft: 21
Lost Over Continent: 0
Lost Other: 0
Summary: On the day following the diastrous Dessau mission, the Group put up 21 aircraft to form the High Box of the 94th Combat Wing. The target was an aircraft plant near the Polish border. After approaching Berlin, the Group turned southwest and let down to 15,000 feet as there was not enough oxygen to stay at 25,000 feet for the entire mission. Fortunately, American fighter escorts appeared on time, and the Group was able to make a visual approach to the target. Lead Bombardier Lt. Bill Dolan sighted the target and, with his release of bombs, the Group blanketed the MPI. The Group then headed north to the Baltic Sea and made its way home without loss.
The 401st was not attacked by the Luftwaffe, but they observed a new American fighter pilot, Lt. Dale Spencer, shoot down four Me-410's in 45 seconds. He was later royally entertained by the 401st at Deenethorpe to celebrate his accomplishment.

Mission Assignments

Squadron Participants
No Assignments were found.